Andrew Straatsma said he and his fiancee were among the lucky ones.
They have been living in Heritage Hill, the historic east side of the city, for about three years now. But despite a surge in housing costs around Kent County, their rent is still manageable — just a little more than $1,000 a month for a two-bedroom apartment. They have a good relationship with their landlord, says Straatsma, and an agreement to look after the property.
But not everyone is so lucky. Straatsma remembers a neighbor who was driven out of Heritage Hill by monthly rental fees that rose into the hundreds of dollars in recent years. They’re almost certainly not the first, with rents rising an average of 16.6% in Kent County since 2019 — among the fastest rates in Michigan.
Now, Straatsma said, he and his fiancee are looking for a home, and they’ve come to realize just how competitive the market in Grand Rapids can be — in Heritage Hill and beyond.
“We’ll try in (a house) without even looking at it – just because we like the pictures. And then we get a response back that it’s already bought out, cash price, $50,000 over asking, no questions asked, waived inspection,” Straatsma said. “It’s impossible.”
Heritage Hill is a jewel in the city’s architectural crown – a conservation area just east of downtown Grand Rapids, stretching roughly from Michigan Street south past Wealthy Street. On a sunny spring day it is a wonder, with cherry blossoms falling past cornice mansions and giant turrets.
But it’s also a microcosm of Grand Rapids’ larger housing problem, where housing costs are rising rapidly and putting increasing pressure on low-income families looking for a home. Kent County is one of the fastest growing parts of Michigan – and there is already a housing shortage.
“In the city of Grand Rapids alone, we need 9,000 additional housing units beyond all the housing units we have in the community today,” said Ryan Kilpatrick, executive director of Housing Next, a West Michigan-focused group . on housing needs. He notes that in the coming years, Grand Rapids will not only have to address that problem, but continue to build housing for thousands more newcomers.
Housing costs in Grand Rapids are responding. Federal statistics show that prices in the Kent County housing market have grown an explosive 49% between 2016 and 2021, driven in particular by low interest rates from a pandemic period and increased demand across the country. It appears that the jump in prices was around 14% in 2021 alone.
Straatsma said his sister is moving to the area from Cincinnati soon, and he has been helping them shop for homes. After looking, his sister gives the green light for an offer, but sometimes it’s too late – the house is already sold.
So, despite Straatsma’s hope that he might someday buy a home in Heritage Hill, he remains realistic. Yes, the hill at the foot of the city is easy to walk and cycle. And just steps away from Martha’s Vineyard, the famous local gourmet grocery and wine store, as well as a bakery and butcher and more.
But the prices make it all almost impossible.
“There’s no way we’ll ever be able to buy a house here,” Straatsma said. “It’s too competitive.”
The Heritage Hills Association was formed in 1968, in the midst of urban renewal projects that sought to remake city centers across the country—many of which had suffered the consequences of white flight or were otherwise in deep urban decline. The group was surprisingly successful in revitalizing the neighborhood, securing historic preservation designation and saving parts of it from construction crews.
That story, told in Thomas Logan’s 2004 book, “Almost Lost,” recalls that the group created a foundation to help them turn homes out of deep ruin. Racist housing policies also made it difficult to secure mortgages in the area, so “professionals with good credit ratings” would co-sign loans.
But those challenges were decades ago. In the years since, Heritage Hill has been extremely successful, shaping itself as one of the city’s premier central neighborhoods, steeped in history and steps away from downtown. His annual tour – which invites excited visitors inside their mansions – attracts thousands each year.
Barbara Draughon is the executive director of the Heritage Hill Association. In late April, he spoke from his office, nestled on the first floor of a modest historic home on College Avenue SE. She is well aware of the pressure on housing around the city.
At Heritage Hill, Draughon said, there are already questions about what comes next. There is growing pressure to boost “accessory dwelling units,” or local ADUs, which are often living space over a garage or in a backyard outbuilding. Those boost housing density, but they also raise questions about parking availability, Draughon said, and the possibility that some could become short-term vacation rentals only. That is before the question of historical authenticity.
“When I had a performance review with the chairman of the board last fall, his last question was, ‘What do you think is the biggest issue we face in the next few years?’” said Draughon. “And I said, ‘Density talks.’”
But Draughon said Heritage Hill leaders are well aware of the situation, and mentioned recently meeting with developers about various parts of the area – which was once largely vacant. And she also notes that Heritage Hill, according to one analysis of census data, is already among the densest neighborhoods in the city.
“Our mission is not anti-development or whatever, or to preserve at the expense of everything else,” he said.
A necessary quirk of Heritage Hill is its dedication to historic preservation, which often requires local residents to make expensive investments in the name of keeping up appearances. Bob Mueller lives in a historic home on Union Avenue NE and notes how much cheaper it would be to replace the historic siding — which, he says, requires regular coats of expensive paint — with something more modern.
It’s no different than the significantly higher property tax rates in East Grand Rapids, Mueller said, which can put de facto income restrictions on residents who would like to live there.
That raises questions about who is allowed to live there. As prices rise, are residents of color pushed out or rejected?
“We talk about that all the time,” Droughon said. “We are in danger of losing (our) variety as prices rise. We have the same conversation with other communities. We value that at Heritage Hill.”
Heritage Hill is just one example, of course — Grand Rapids has been grappling with a tight housing market citywide for years. The Cities Commission recently passed key zoning changes to help make housing more widely available – loosening the rules on multi-family units and ADUs and creating incentives to build affordable housing.
But it looks increasingly likely that it wasn’t enough.
Mark Brace is the owner of Brace Homes, a real estate company in the Grand Rapids market. He said the market in 2021 was even tighter than 2020, with less inventory and significant demand. There are many factors behind all that pressure – from demographics increasing the number of young home buyers to supply chain issues hampering new construction.
“The real estate market is an 80-mile-an-hour train, and you can get on now or you can get on later,” he said. “If you come forward now, your interest rate is going to be lower and it’s going to be cheaper.”
Lindsey Reams, executive director of the Grand Rapids Housing Commission, said only about 40% of local Housing Choice Voucher Program participants find housing after six months.
“I think the national average is higher than an 80% (voucher) success rate for housing,” Reams said. “I wouldn’t say it’s just Grand Rapids, because I’m actually at a state conference right now with other housing agencies around the state. And some of them have success rates lower than 40%.
Grand Rapids’ high housing costs also come as national housing costs soar, fueled by a national phenomenon of cheap credit and high pandemic demand. An analysis in the New York Times shows that American homeowners have realized $6 trillion in home equity growth in the past two years. That’s good news for some – but for renters and others left behind, it means huge costs to buy into the market and the risk that many will find it out of reach .
Connie Bohatch, Grand Rapids’ managing director of community services, said affordable housing is a “real pain point” for the city right now.
“We get calls all the time about (how) people can’t find somewhere they can afford to rent, or a home to buy,” he said. “We want houses at all price points though, right?”
Kyle VanStrien is the head of the Grand Rapids Planning Commission. He said he’s watching closely as other cities grapple with their own housing costs, places like Minneapolis, where the City Council voted to end single-family zoning in 2018 in favor of building larger homes. dense throughout the city.
“I think we have seen the cost of housing rise all over the country. And it’s not just in cities that look like Grand Rapids. It’s in most cities,” VanStrien said. “I think some cities are taking some very proactive approaches to help address the issue. I think the jury is still out on how effective those methods will be.”
The city has a “master plan” document to guide the future of the city’s urban planning – a sprawling document that covers land use, future development and more.
But many of the challenges facing the city now are two decades behind. The housing supply crunch, for example, is much further along now than it was in 2001, with an increase of around 74% in housing costs over the last two decades (and an increase of around 95% since house prices reached the post-recession lows in that period). early 2010s). And 2020 census data shows that Ottawa and Kent counties saw the first and third highest growth rates, respectively, in the state over the previous decade.
Now, city leaders are in the middle of a new planning process, meant to chart what comes next for Grand Rapids. That has been in a “pre-planning” phase since early 2020, but will soon move into a “community input phase” this year, as the city hires a consultant to help guide the process. A steering committee of four dozen members appointed by a mayor is expected to help guide the adoption process in early 2024.
To many observers, one of the obvious answers is that Grand Rapids must become more dense — meaning single-family lots subdivided into apartments, high-rises and more.
“I think density is one part of the answer. I don’t think that’s the silver bullet by any means,” VanStrien said. “But I think, you know, locating density in appropriate locations makes a lot of sense.”
Kilpatrick said some of the “most significant tools” for managing the housing market in the future include development in large commercial areas and roads.
“Now, this is also going to be important across the region, right?” he said. “So Grand Rapids is one element of the wider West Michigan region and the housing markets across all communities are tied together. So, this is not just necessary in Grand Rapids, but frankly, in all of our communities in West Michigan. “
This story can be found in the May/June 2022 issue of Grand Rapids Magazine. To get more stories like this delivered to your inbox, subscribe here.
Where can I watch Home Improvement episodes?
Home Improvement, a sitcom series starring Tim Allen, Debbe Dunning, and Patricia Richardson is available to stream now. See the article : New Zealand’s new Great Walk, the Paparoa Track. Watch it on Prime Video, VUDU or Vudu Movie & TV Store on your Roku device.
Which channel is Home Improvement on 2022? History Channel announced Thursday that More Power, a new factual series hosted by Home Improvement’s Tim Allen, Richard Karn and DIY YouTuber April Wilkerson, will premiere Wednesday, June 29 at 10/9c.
Why isn’t Home Improvement on any streaming service?
The rights are available which means there is no contractual reason with another streaming service why Disney isn’t bringing the show to Disney or Hulu. Read also : Lawyer: could take “years” before victims recover money on alleged home improvement fraud. The most likely reason why the show is not appearing on Disney or Hulu is due to a lawsuit between Disney and the creators of ‘Home Improvement’.
Where can I watch all seasons of Home Improvement?
You can stream Home Improvement by renting or buying on Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. This may interest you : State Police receives AED donation from Lowe’s Home Improvement.
Can I watch home improvement on Hulu?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The series has yet to appear on the Mouse House streamer, or any other subscription-based streaming service, as of this writing. On Amazon, you can buy individual episodes for $1.99, or entire seasons for $14.99 (for season 1) to $19.99 (for seasons 2-8).
How can I watch Home Improvement reruns?
How to Watch Home Improvement. You can stream Home Improvement by renting or buying on iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, and Google Play.
Is Home Improvement on Netflix?
Luckily for us, Netflix is full of home improvement and garden series that we can choose from.
Can you watch Home Improvement on Netflix?
Home Improvement shows you can watch on Netflix.
Is Home Improvement on Netflix?
Luckily for us, Netflix is full of home improvement and garden series that we can choose from.
Are any HGTV shows on Netflix?
There are currently no HGTV shows available on Netflix, and they haven’t been for several years.
Is Home Improvement streaming anywhere?
Where there is home and family, it is never a true farewell. Stream on Roku. Home Improvement, a sitcom series starring Tim Allen, Debbe Dunning, and Patricia Richardson is available to stream now. Watch it on Prime Video, VUDU, Vudu Movie & TV Store or Apple TV on your Roku device.
Who has the rights to Home Improvement?
Hulu has snapped up exclusive U.S. subscription rights to a trio of ’90s sitcoms — “Home Improvement,” “Boy Meets World,” and Tim Allen’s “Dinosaurs” — in a new deal with Disney-ABC Television Group.
Why isn’t Home Improvement on Disney+? The most likely reason why the show is not appearing on Disney or Hulu is due to a lawsuit between Disney and the creators of ‘Home Improvement’.
What TV channel is Home Improvement on?
What channel is Home Improvement on now?
Home Improvement – ABC Series – Where to Watch.
Is Home Improvement on cable TV?
Up TV has licensed the cable rights to all eight seasons of the comedy Home Improvement. Tim Allen plays the host of a home improvement show called Tool Time who brings up three mischievous boys.
Where can I watch Home Improvement 2021?
How to Watch Home Improvement. You can stream Home Improvement by renting or buying on Vudu, iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon Instant Video.
Can I watch Home Improvement on Hulu?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The series has yet to appear on the Mouse House streamer, or any other subscription-based streaming service, as of this writing. On Amazon, you can buy individual episodes for $1.99, or entire seasons for $14.99 (for season 1) to $19.99 (for seasons 2-8).
What streaming service can I watch home improvement?
Home Improvement, a sitcom series starring Tim Allen, Debbe Dunning, and Patricia Richardson is available to stream now. Watch it on Prime Video, VUDU, Vudu Movie & TV Store or Apple TV on your Roku device.
Is Home Improvement on Netflix?
Luckily for us, Netflix is full of home improvement and garden series that we can choose from.
Where can I watch all seasons of home improvement?
You can stream Home Improvement by renting or buying on Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.
What streaming service is Home Improvement on?
Home Improvement, a sitcom series starring Tim Allen, Debbe Dunning, and Patricia Richardson is available to stream now. Watch it on Prime Video, VUDU, Vudu Movie & TV Store or Apple TV on your Roku device.
Is Home Improvement on Netflix?
Luckily for us, Netflix is full of home improvement and garden series that we can choose from.
Will Home Improvement come to Disney plus?
Since you’re here, you must be wondering: Can I stream Home Improvement on Disney? Unfortunately, the answer is no. The series has yet to appear on the Mouse House streamer, or any other subscription-based streaming service, as of this writing.
Where can I watch all seasons of Home Improvement?
You can stream Home Improvement by renting or buying on Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.
What is example of home improvement?
Replace, repair, or paint wood, brick, or vinyl siding. Paint or buy a new entrance door. Replace a weathered garage door. Add stone veneer to your entrance.
What improvements increase the value of a home? 7 home improvement projects that add value (and 3 that don’t)
- Kitchen remodeling. Updates to the kitchen are paying dividends. …
- Upgrade the equipment. …
- Give the bathrooms a boost. …
- Remodel the attic or basement. …
- Get a deck out. …
- Boost the curb appeal. …
- Improve energy efficiency. …
- Swimming Pools.
What’s another word for home improvement?
| home makeover | redecorate |
|---|---|
| refresh | DIY |
| a makeover | home repairs |
What is consider home improvement?
An improvement is any modification that increases the value of your home. According to TaxSlayer, examples of improvements include adding a new driveway, new roof, new siding, attic insulation, new septic system or built-in appliances.
Does the IRS require receipts for home improvements?
A: You can deduct any home improvements you can experience. You don’t necessarily need receipts; photos, contracts, statements from contractors, or affidavits from neighbors, may be enough to convince the IRS that you actually worked.
Is there a tax deduction for home improvements?
Although you cannot deduct home improvements, it is possible in some situations to depreciate them. “Depreciation” means that you deduct the cost over a number of years – anywhere from three to 27.5 years. To be eligible to depreciate home improvement costs, you must use a part of your home other than as a personal residence.
What counts as a home improvement?
“Home improvement” means repairing, remodeling, altering, modifying, or modernizing or adding to a residential property and shall include, but not be limited to, constructing, erecting, replacing or improving driveways, swimming. pools, including spas and hot tubs, terraces, patios, awnings, storms…
Are there any Home Improvement shows on Hulu?
One of the best home improvement shows on Hulu is Property Brothers: Forever Home. Although Jonathan and Drew Scott are no strangers to home renovation shows, their newest series, Property Brothers: Forever Home, takes a unique approach to traditional home renovations.
What streaming service has home improvement shows? Home Improvement, a sitcom series starring Tim Allen, Debbe Dunning, and Patricia Richardson is available to stream now. Watch it on Prime Video, VUDU, Vudu Movie & TV Store or Apple TV on your Roku device.
Did Hulu get rid of HGTV?
HGTV shows recently removed from the Hulu Basic Subscription Package.
Is HGTV no longer available?
If you’re worried that HGTV is going to up and disappear in the wake of Discovery Plus and get rid of all your favorite shows, you can relax. HGTV isn’t going away in 2021. The classic, family-friendly channel is here to stay.
Is HGTV no longer on Hulu?
Fixer Upper, House Hunters and more are now available on Hulu!
Does Hulu have HGTV 2022?
Hulu with Live TV has 75 live TV channels, including HGTV, ESPN, FS1, TBS and A&E. A subscription costs $69.99 per month. You’ll also get unlimited access to Disney’s on-demand library, ESPN and Hulu.
Does Hulu have HGTV 2022?
Hulu with Live TV has 75 live TV channels, including HGTV, ESPN, FS1, TBS and A&E. A subscription costs $69.99 per month. You’ll also get unlimited access to Disney’s on-demand library, ESPN and Hulu.
Can you watch HGTV on Hulu?
Watch HGTV Network Online | Hulu (Free Trial) Watch HGTV with any Hulu plan starting at $6.99/month.
How can I stream HGTV for free?
Go to watch.hgtv.com or the app (available on iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Roku), click to sign in, and you’ll be prompted to enter your account information from an accepted streaming service. If you subscribe to Philo or Hulu, you’re good to go.
Are there any HGTV shows on Hulu?
Fixer Upper, House Hunters and more are now available on Hulu!
Does Hulu come with HGTV?
HGTV on Hulu They have recently added the Hulu Live TV service which offers HGTV Live Online Streaming. Hulu Live TV also includes the following features: Unlimited cloud DVR storage.
Does Hulu have all HGTV shows?
Watch HGTV Network Online | Hulu (Free Trial) Watch HGTV with any Hulu plan starting at $6.99/month. New subscribers only. No hidden fees, equipment rentals, or installation appointments.